How I stopped being mental as

There was the Mirena debacle and subsequent hormonal meltdown, plus illness, all of which exacerbated my stress, and we can safely say Mama Holsby was singing the blues.

There are only so many times you can lose your shit uncharacteristically at your kids, or cry whilst sorting the washing before you realise things aren’t right and you need to make some changes to get your shizzle back into balance.

I was riddled with anxiety and I was sad a lot, and I started seeing a therapist in order to get the crazies out, but I also ensured I did a few other things that I know help me maintain a healthy balance.

Mental Health Week has just ended so I thought I’d share how I stopped being mental as.

EXERCISE

Double edged sword. You feel shit so you don’t want to go, however, the second you finish you feel amazing so you just need to start.

I’d been letting my exercise slip. Too busy, too tired, and too many appointments were fairly high on the excuse rotation and I found I was only exercising about twice a week.

Caning myself physically helps keep my brain in check, but some people respond better to gentle exercise for brain wellbeing. Three to four times a week helps me to sleep better, focus better and feel better.

ALCOHOL

My booze consumption was sneaking up. This happened over a few years, and in the end I was drinking every single day. We all know that we should have a few days off a week, but I was disregarding this fact as I was using alcohol as stress-relief to get through dinner/bed/bath routine.

Admittedly, my stress at witching hour is now elevated, but I know that it’s worth it to be in control of my booze consumption. I now aim to only drink 3 days a week. Note I said aim. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. Human.

THERAPY

Speaking to a therapist and getting a few tips on how to cope with the stress of very day life has been extremely beneficial. Even just having a safe space that I can go and vent without fear of hurting anyone’s feelings, or cry without fear of anyone think I’m losing my shit.

Life is stressful, and there will always be worries but learning techniques to keep on top of the pile of poo is pretty darned helpful.

MINDFUL BREATHING

Everyone kept suggesting that meditate to calm my bat shit crazy mind…I’m a bloody awful meditator. I have nightmares about my stint in Vipassana so meditating is never gonna happen.

Mindful breathing however is totally cheat’s meditation. You don’t even need to sit still to do it. In fact, mindful activity is pretty cool too.

Just 100% focusing on what I’m doing. Feeling the way my muscles contract to move and the way the air hits certain parts of my skin. 100% in the now. 100% not stressing about stupid shit that’s probably not going to happen.

ASKED FOR & ACCEPTED HELP

People often suggest they look after the kids, or we catch up for coffee, and I don’t take them up on it for one reason or another, but now I am.

People babysat my kids while I got stuff done, went out for a meal or even one day I had a cheeky massage. I have asked people for regular help, weekly help, and have found that they love to be involved in our lives and it’s actually a mutual exchange whereby everyone wins.

FOOD

I always eat well, but I also got serious about supplements. I’m really into fish oil as I’ve heard it’s not just good for the body but also the mind.

After I got sick I needed to boost my immunity, and I wanted to help get my mind and body back on track. I ate for energy, and I ate food that I knew I would feel good about eating.

And a little ice cream because that’s good for the soul.

So, am I feeling fighting fucking fit?

Mostly.

For the moment.

I also know that there will probably be another episode some time where everything gets too much because I am a natural worrier and life can be tricky.

Now I know that I have the strength to say I need help, and the smarts to go and get it, so I can get about getting shit done as soon as I can.

If you’re not feeling like you’re coping, or you’re a bit mental as, call a friend or Lifeline 13 11 14

If you like what you’re seeing, stick around and have a flick through some related posts.

I like your post and relate very much to the feeling the anxiety and getting close to my breaking point. I like your suggestions too but as a single mum on pretty low income the only thing I can manage is the mindfulness, which I love to do and do it regularly, and the food… which is tricky as my anxiety is food based….. any suggestions for single mums doing it cheap?

HI Gillian, I’m a single mum too, so I know time and money can be bitches. Without knowing more about your anxiety and food stuff it’s hard to advise you.
With regards to staying sane as an anxious single mum – ask for help. You don’t need to be Wonder Woman. Do a kid swap with a friend so you have a little time to yourself. Have regular hang-outs with other families. That shifts my moods immediately.
With food, I know how to eat cheap if that’s what you want advice on? I know how to eat well if that’s what you need. Let me know how I can help, or if I don’t know I can point you in the right direction.

Hey Danielle
I am trying really hard to not be mental as anymore. I got some really positive big picture news today and that has really thrown me for a six. Not really sure why this has tipped me into the tailspin it has but that is ok I can work through that.
I am walking everyday because I hate running and I am absolutely allergic to exercise! I have just started an exercise physiology program that goes for 10wks! And on top of that I am walking every day well I am trying. On top of that I am trying to stop eating chocolate. I can’t drink alcohol (stoopid liver disease) so chocolate is my weakness.
Cat xoxo